Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Summer Dairy Institute, NY

Description of Elective Experience: 

An advanced training program for prospective dairy veterinarians held at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Our vision of the Summer Dairy Institute is to accelerate and augment the ability of motivated veterinary students and new veterinarians to contribute to the modern dairy industry while fostering development of professional networks.

The mission is to provide a concentrated 4-week course of the highest quality to a select group of professionals whose career objective is to enhance the well-being of dairy cattle such that they contribute to efficient, profitable, and environmentally sound production of safe food.

Selected participants will convene in New York for an intensive 4-week course with authorities at the forefront of their fields. They offer up-to-the-minute professional information on subjects such as Reproduction, Nutrition, Dairy Facilities, Dairy Record Systems, Milk Quality/Udder Health, Biosecurity, Public Health and Regulatory Considerations, and Financial Decision Making.

Not only will future leaders in the profession be exposed to a unique, relevant, and modern curriculum, they will also have the opportunity to interact with one another and faculty to permit establishment of friendships and networks of colleagues that will serve the profession and industry well for decades. Participants in this program will be better prepared to enter modern veterinary practice and support industries than conventional new graduates. For recent graduates, it is expected that they will bring immediate value to their employers.

Program faculty will be drawn from academia industry, government, and private practices.

Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.: 

The course is held at the Cornell Teaching Dairy. Additionally, group visits will be made to large area dairy farms. In addition, there will be on-farm activities in very small groups, with participation in such activities as milking management in large dairies; calving pen management; feeding management; foot care; and reproduction exams. There will be opportunity to study new or expanding facilities and visit a dedicated heifer facility.

Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?: 

The program runs from 8am to 5 or 6 pm, Monday through Friday during the 4-weeks. At all times, faculty will be present. 

Student Housing (include costs, amenities, pet friendly, contact info if different from elective contact info): 

This is included in the program tuition ($2500). Housing is provided by Alpha Zeta fraternity and includes single occupancy rooms. Meals are also included. 

The house address is: 214 Thurston Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850

Supervisor: 
Dr. Kathryn Bach
Website: 
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/education/other-educational-opportunities/summer-dairy-institute
Contact email: 
Address: 
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell Univesrity
Ithaca, NY 14853
United States
Animal Type: 
Practice or Institution Type: 
Is student housing available?: 
Yes
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week: 
Approximately 45 hours per week